Newly elected State Rep. Movita Johnson-Harrell, the first Muslim woman elected to the Pennsylvania legislature, has been arrested on corruption charges.

Attorney General Josh Shapiro announced the charges this morning against Johnson-Harrell, who won the 190th District seat in a special election last March. They include theft, perjury and tampering with public records.

Shapiro said Johnson-Harrell has agreed to plead guilty to the charges and will face jail time. She turned herself in to authorities in Philadelphia on Wednesday morning.  Continue Reading

Christmas trees are back for sale in the neighborhood (check the locations here). And if you’re looking for a nice handmade holiday wreath, Bartram’s Garden (5400 Lindbergh Blvd.) is holding its annual sale this Saturday, Dec. 7, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.. The sale will include a great selection of decorated and undecorated wreaths, centerpieces, and fresh evergreens.

There will also be a holiday marketplace with a variety of local vendors, free “make + take” workshops, music, children’s activities, a baking competition, and more!  Continue Reading

Today is #GivingTuesday, and many local not for profit organizations are asking the community to support them or their causes. We’ll be sharing their messages throughout the day in this post (see below) and on Twitter. You can also check our Civic Life page for more non-profits in the area, including local shelters, community and neighborhood associations, educational and cultural organizations, animal rescues, local parks and gardens, and many more.  Continue Reading

The annual Cedar Park Holiday Basket Drive is here! The Cedar Park Neighbors (CPN) community association is partnering again with local nonprofits and places of worship to provide food baskets to neighbors in need during the holiday season.

Last year, CPN was able to reach over 200 local families (nearly 800 people total!) – a great testament to the goodness and willingness to help by the community. A suggested donation this year is again in the amount of $36. Support at this level will provide baskets to two families.  Continue Reading

If you’re celebrating Thanksgiving in the neighborhood, check out information below on holiday hours and closings at some popular local stores and cafes. We also included information on SEPTA holiday service. Information on Thanksgiving Parade is available here.

SEPTA Holiday Service

• Buses, trains, and trolleys will operate on a Sunday schedule on Thanksgiving Day.

• Broad Street and Market Frankford and Broad Street Line and trains will operate with all night service beginning Thursday, Nov. 28 at 12:01 a.m. Regular Owl Bus service will resume Friday, Nov. 29 at 12:01 a.m.  Continue Reading

As package deliveries pick up during the holidays, so do package thefts. University City District has sent out an alert in its monthly Crime Update about an increase of package thefts from porches in November and December. The newsletter also includes these tips on how to prevent package thefts:

• Avoid leaving unattended packages on stoops or porches.
• If possible, have packages sent to a workplace or other secure location.
• If you’re shipping items using Amazon, take advantage of one of the Amazon locker locations in the area.

Continue Reading